X Factor engulfed in new fix row as it’s revealed 5AM star Kieran Alleyne is managed by company with close ties to Sony
THE X Factor faces fresh fix allegations after it emerged Five After Midnight singer Kieran Alleyne is managed by a company with close ties to Sony.
Kieran, 21, is looked after by major talent agency The Insanity Group, who have a record label with close ties to Simon Cowell's label Syco.
Last November it was announced that Sony would be funding the new venture, with a press release stating: "Insanity Records joins Columbia UK, Epic UK, RCA UK, Black Butter Records, Relentless Records and Syco Music as UK based Sony Music labels."
An X Factor insider told The Sun online: "Kieran was signed to Insanity as a solo artist and was managed by the company, as well as being signed to Virgin EMI as a an artist.
"When that didn't work out Insanity put the band around him."
He has racked up millions of YouTube hits with his debut solo album, been championed by Radio 1 and worked with Beyonce’s team.
Away from music, Kieran has starred in two West End plays and spent years acting and presenting alongside Dani Harmer on CBBC.
But rather than be embarrassed that they're merely the Michelle and Kelly to his Beyonce, 5AM's other singers, Jordan Lee and Nathan Lewis, have apparently been open about the situation.
The insider added: "5 After Midnight have told other contestants that they were put together by Sony.
"The fact that their management has their own record label with Sony surely screams there is something untoward going on behind closed doors."
However, honesty isn't always the best policy - especially when dealing with other fame hungry hopefuls.
There's said to be grumbles that the boys have an unfair advantage, as do another of Louis Walsh's groups, The Brooks.
The source said: "Other acts have said whats the point, with Sinitta working with The Brooks and 5AM with Sony surely this is an unfair advantage."
An X Factor spokesman declined to comment.